Hostels in Peru

Hostels in Peru are a good and cheap alternative to hotels. For those wanting more independence such as families or couples, most hostels offer private rooms as well as dorms. They can be very good value for money with many throwing in breakfast and Wi-Fi for free and a long list of group events that guests can choose to participate in such as cooking lessons, pub crawls or city tours.

Peru’s most popular cities are all well catered for. You can find hostels in Lima close to the Jorge Chávez International Airport, near the beach and in the trendy Miraflores district. Visitors will also find accommodation in Barranco, a colonial-style neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city but just a short journey to the centre of Lima.

HQ Villa Hostel may be a short ride from the centre of Lima but they offer guests a DVD room, free breakfast, BBQ facilities and a lovely garden area. Rooms are individually decorated and everyday they offer a host of activities including yoga, surf days and bar crawls.

The Gallery House is located just 3 blocks from the coast and the cliff top parks in the heart of the Miraflores neighbourhood. They pride themselves on the bohemian atmosphere and the Peruvian artwork that fills their house. The owners have opted for regular beds instead of the usual bunks found in most hostels to add to the sense of staying in a boutique hotel.

For many Cusco is a prime ‘setting off’ point from which to visit many of Peru’s archaeological sites. It was the capital of the Inca empire and the beautiful Sacred Valley is right on the doorstep. The town attracts travellers from all over the world and there is accommodation to suit every budget with Cusco hostels from as little as €6 per person per night. If you want to get off the usual tourist path, be sure to chat to the staff who will know the area well and may be able to suggest a few favourite local spots to try.

At Pariwana Backpacker Cusco, staff are knowledgeable about all the local tourist attractions as well as all the best bars to visit to let your hair down. Although they might suggest you try their own bar first where you can socialise with other guests and enjoy traditional Peruvian home-cooking.

Pirwa Backpacker Familiar is located close to Cusco’s main train station and has an attractive patio area. Sample some of the local cuisine in the nearby restaurants or use the hostel’s kitchen facilities for a cosy night in.